Form I-129F
Hey there! If you're planning to bring your fiancé to the United States so you can get married, Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is the form you'll need. This form is filed by U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé to the U.S. to get married and apply for a green card. Think of it as the first step in the K-1 visa process, which allows your fiancé to enter the U.S. for 90 days so you can tie the knot. Filing Form I-129F shows USCIS that you have a genuine relationship and intend to marry within that 90-day period.
What is form I-129F used for?
Form I-129F is used to petition the U.S. government to allow your foreign fiancé to come to the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once approved, it leads to the issuance of a K-1 visa, which permits your fiancé to enter the U.S. for 90 days to marry you.
How long does it take for I-129F to be approved?
The approval process for Form I-129F typically takes 6 to 9 months. However, this can vary depending on the USCIS caseload and the specific circumstances of your case.
Is I-129F faster than I-130?
In general, the I-129F process for a fiancé visa can be faster than the I-130 process for a spousal visa. The K-1 fiancé visa process usually takes around 6 to 9 months, whereas the spousal visa process can take 10 to 16 months or longer.
How much is the payment for I-129F?
The filing fee for Form I-129F is $535. This fee covers the processing of your petition by USCIS.
How do I prove my relationship is real for a fiancé visa?
To prove your relationship is real for a fiancé visa, you need to provide evidence such as:
Photos of you together
Correspondence (emails, messages, etc.)
Travel itineraries and tickets showing visits
Affidavits from friends and family who can vouch for your relationship
Engagement announcements or wedding plans
Is it better to get a fiancé visa or a spouse visa?
Whether a fiancé visa or a spouse visa is better depends on your situation. A fiancé visa (K-1) might be quicker if you're not yet married and want to get married in the U.S. A spouse visa (CR-1 or IR-1) might be better if you're already married, as it grants a green card upon entry.
How much money do you have to make to sponsor a K-1 visa?
To sponsor a K-1 visa, you generally need to meet the income requirement of 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. For a household of two in 2024, this is about $18,310 per year. However, it's often better to meet 125% of the guidelines to ensure the application is accepted without issue.
Can my fiancé visit while waiting for a K-1 visa?
Yes, your fiancé can visit the U.S. while waiting for a K-1 visa, but they must do so on a visitor visa (B-1/B-2). They must show that their visit is temporary and that they intend to return to their home country after the visit.
Can my fiancé work on a K-1 visa?
Your fiancé cannot work immediately upon entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa. They must first get married within the 90-day period and then apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the adjustment of status process to get a green card.
I hope this helps clear things up for you! The process of bringing your fiancé to the U.S. can seem complicated, but with the right information, you can navigate it smoothly. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your application!
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